Vincent O’Brien, Train Presentation Operative, Northern

Since joining Northern in January 2018, Vincent O’Brien has been based at Barrow depot.

On March 21 2022, while Vincent was carrying out train cleaning duties at Southport, the station’s Merseyrail manager was advised of an incident in the female toilets.

On arrival at the scene, he found Vincent already in attendance, administering first aid to a young lady who had sadly attempted to take her own life.

Vincent worked with Merseyrail staff to keep the female calm, while they administered what treatment they could before the paramedics arrived.

She was then taken to hospital to receive further medical and mental health treatment.

Vincent was commended for remaining calm, confident, and “handling the situation impeccably in a very tragic environment”.

The Merseyrail manager added: “A simple thank you to Vincent seems inappropriate for all his dedication and good humour during this incident. I’m sure Northern is as proud to employ this exceptional individual as I am to know him.”